A Specialty Coffee Shop Tour of Montreal, Canada

Welcome to Montréal, the cultural and economic hub of La Belle Province – the beautiful province of Québec, Canada!

When the city isn’t tucked away under a thick layer of snow, you can find Montrealers bustling through the streets in search of good food and a fun time. From snowy winter festivals to summertime street festivals, it truly seems like Montreal has it all. The one thing that has been in short supply for far too long is a good cup of joe.

But now, specialty coffee shops are opening up all over town, with skilled baristas serving up crème de la crème of Canada’s coffee roasters. I think it’s safe to say Montréal is on its way to be known for more than just poutine and hockey!

Why These Five?

Cutting this list down to only five was a difficult task. It’s impossible to pick the five “best” coffee shops in a city… But these are some of my personal favorites. Not only do they brew amazing coffee, but the baristas and overall ambiance make them spots worth visiting.

So, while you’re strolling through the streets of this vibrant city, stop off for a coffee in one of these third wave cafés.

The bloom begins: brewing a pour over coffee.

1. La Finca Café & Bureau

Located beside Montréal’s financial district, La Finca is unmissable. Whether it’s a clean, complex Chemex or cortado, you won’t regret your order. Want a bit more space? La Finca also offers private workrooms – and if you’re there for a while, you can order a pastry to go with your coffee.

2. Paquebot

Specialty coffee accompanied by vinyl records? If that’s your idea of heaven, Paquebot Café is the place for you. Rated as Montreal’s best third wave café (by local specialty coffee app Th3rd Wave), you can’t go wrong with this cosy spot.

And with two locations East of Parc Avenue – and now a third in the Old Port – you won’t have to venture far.

Paquebot Café’s red-brick walls are illuminated by a purple neon “paquebot” – the French word for a passenger ship. Credit: Café Climbers

3. The Standard/Café Myriade

The Standard is a safe haven for specialty coffee lovers West of the Downtown area. For those who stick around the East, the owners also operate Café Myriade in Mile End. They offer a wide variety of roasted beans, sourced from all of North America, as V60, AeroPress, or espresso.

Each location has its own unique aesthetic, but you’ll get the same amazing coffee experience in them all. Great coffee from around the world, served up by top quality baristas in a gorgeous setting – hard to beat, eh?

4. Le Club Espresso Bar

Welcome to Le Club Espresso Bar, where coffee and cycling meet. Montréal’s summers feel like they’re over before they even start, but cycling here on a sunny day and then cooling down with a coffee? It’s a feeling that can’t be beaten.

The great location, friendly staff, and welcoming decor (not to mention the indoor hanging bikes) appeal to all types of coffee-lovers. If you don’t believe me, just ask 2017 Giro d’Italia winner, Tom Dumoulin, who stopped here for an espresso with his team this past September.

Where

3801 Saint-Denis Street

Atmosphere

Bright and energetic, with a cycling theme

Espresso Machine

Slayer Steam

Grinder

Espresso – Kittel Coffee (blend, or single origin espresso)

Filter – Kittel Coffee (coming soon)

Must-Try Drink

The cortado is solid year-round, although on a hot summer day, you might prefer their housemade iced tea.

Bonus Mentions:

Tried these five and still thirsty for more? Check out Dessert Cafe Momo in Monkland Avenue or L’or en Grain on Rachel Street East.

The Old Port of Montreal.

Montréal is slowly becoming a specialty coffee powerhouse.

I’ve introduced you to my favorite cafés in the city. They all offer great coffee, great ambiance, and great service. So, the next time you’re looking for a citrusy Chemex or a full-bodied espresso, stop by one of these spots to satisfy your cravings.

But don’t hesitate to venture off the beaten track and try somewhere new, either. New coffee shops are opening all the time. As a city, Montréal is just getting started!